Live Review : Ryders Creed + Lost Sovereign + Savage Outlaw @ EBGBS, Liverpool on August 10th 2018

So with jaunty anticipation, I bounded into Johann’s car knowing only one thing, tonight’s gig is in The ‘Pool'.  Normally we find ourselves hurtling against time to get to Manchester, not tonight.  A quick stroll of the Audi’s ever aging frame and we are in the city.  Heebie Jeebies has seen a few radical transformations.  The early nineties saw it as a Jazz bar, replete with stoned philosophy students and blues clarinet players.  As the city’s nightlife boomed into the early 2000’s it became another student gaff with no discernible musical direction.  So it is with tremendous relief that we come to see EBGBs has transformed into a rock and metal bar.  The upper, main bar is decorated sparcely in the saloon style.  While beneath the street lurks a brick bare cavern.  It’s a fantastic venue for live music that could easily measure up to Rebellion given time. The show started at 7:30.

With a live podcast interview with long serving Krazyhouse DJ, JJ.  It was an interesting trip down a drink fuelled alleyway of nostalgia with no real intimation as to the future of the iconic club.

Savage Outlaw fronted by the bearded powerhouse that is Stu Stephenson stepped up to be the first outfit to bare there all.  With some of the best blues rock and heavy rock vocals we at Rockflesh have heard in a while, the Outlaws set the bar high for the following bands.  With two incredible guitarists the band had the small crowd clapping along almost immediately.  EBGBs is somewhat shaped like a brick tube and sadly one of the larger speakers farted the bass lines out for most of the set.  The soundman eventually got to grips with the troublesome speaker but almost halfway through the set.  This made it difficult to pick out some of the heavier elements of the bands set.  They however rocked on and finished the set with one of the standout songs of the night “Heartbreakers and Hellraisers”.  This is a singalong classic that whips and ensnares the crowd to sing the chorus every time.  Any band would be proud to have such a lively wild beast of a song in their live ammunition.

Savage Outlaw are a classic rock band with a certain modern fire.  Stephenson is a frontman growing in confidence and has a strong captivating rock vocal. They keep the pace up throughout the short set and definitely have room to grow and improve.  They desperately need some well recorded material, something that truly brings their live experience to the listener.     

There was barely time to get the round in, before Lost Sovereign threw their hat into the ring.  I was informed that they are a heavier band the Savage Outlaw but similar melodic tendencies.  The protagonist that suffered at the hands of the EBGBs inconsistent sound was Lost Sovereign frontman Mark. Lost Sovereign set their stall as heavy rock practitioners with an early cover of Alice in Chains “Them Bones”. The band are as tight as a pin, the crowd has swelled slightly and people are tapping toes and nodding along sagely. The voice finally clears as the soundman tinkers once more.  The taller guitarist is absolutely demolishing every sweep and legato in sight, while the band power through the set.  The band support the vocal melodies with swells and tempo changes, creating a cavernous sound in the little musical dungeon. One of the stand out songs of the set was “King of Ruin”.  A heavy, rhythmic stomper. 

Lost Sovereign are newly formed and are still gathering an online presence, with previous member of Rain May Fall, we know what level of quality to expect from their recorded material.  2018 should be an interesting year for this newly formed rock five piece. With the right direction and continuous high-quality live performance Lost Sovereign have the potential to go far.

Like the Greyhound, Ryders Creed shot out the fucking traps at mach one and never looked back. Ryders Creed don’t look like the quintessential rock band, they are homages to their influences and an unusual mix of old school metal, nu metal and everything in between.  The music however was bouncing from the start. Every member of the band was giving a masterclass in transferring energy to the crowd.  Simple in time, mic gestures, strong vocals from Ryan Antony, the standout guitar performance of the night from Lee Spencer. Touted as a band to watch across a number of print and online platforms, Ryders Creed have built a small but sturdy reputation.  What I was watching unfurl was a robust masterclass in owning a small venue and completely captivating an audience. The raw energy delivered was apparent in the sweat soaked clothes. The band are a professional, well rehearsed outfit, dripping with bold dynamics, searing solos and great melodies.

“Raise the Hoof” offers the chance for the band to interact with the crowd, an absolute belter of a live song, compels the crowd to sing, fists in the air. The uncompromising and relentless rhythm swept into a wall of dynamic distorted chords.  With great dual guitar lines and a standout drum performance this song pencilled for the Creeds next video is by far the song of the night.  The band slip seamlessly between classic rock riffs and a more dramatic metal fusillade.  Each song bursting with a new energy.  Ryders Creed have a good online presence making their music accessible. 2018 should also promise to be a good one for this powerful five piece.

All threes bands gave outstanding performances of slightly nuanced variations of classic and modern rock.  All three singers where exceptionally accomplished and gave a performance particular to their music.  There wasn’t a bad musician on that stage all night and the commitment to this music is what keeps us coming. The Liverpool metal scene has suffered a bullet to the head with the closure of the Krazyhouse, but it’s nothing to worry about as long as we can keep producing and supporting excellent bands Like Savage Outlaw and Lost Sovereign.  Times are tough, get out there and keep rock alive. Hats off to Ryders Creed for a blinding performance.  Heartbreakers and Hellraisers, indeed.